FAQs

Here are some common questions. To give you the best customer experience, your feedback is strongly encouraged.

How do fetal dopplers work?
Handheld fetal dopplers are actually quite easy to use and understand. A fetal doppler is used to listen to a baby’s heartbeat while it is still in the womb. By using ultrasound technology, a fetal doppler heartbeat monitor sends high frequency sound waves into your abdomen. When the sound waves encounter movement, such as your baby’s heartbeat, it sends a signal back to the device through the handheld probe. The signal is then translated into a sound which is then amplified so you can hear it.

Are BabyHeart fetal dopplers safe to use?
Fetal dopplers are used by medical professionals every day to detect heartbeats of babies in the womb. They are completely safe and do not require a prescription. The waves emitted by a fetal doppler are about 40 times lower than those emitted from an ultrasound machine. Every Pocket Fetal Doppler we sell is registered to the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with registration number 277143 to ensure safety and quality.

When can I start using the fetal doppler?
It is recommended that you don’t use a fetal doppler device until the 12th week of pregnancy. You might not hear the heartbeat until the 14th-16th week however, this can be different from person to person.

Is the fetal doppler measurement reliable?
Typically, fetal doppler measurements are reliable but there are some factors that could cause the measurement to read improperly including:

• Smoking tobacco products.
• Drinking large amounts of caffeine.
• Extra noises, such as the mother's heartbeat or stomach rumbling, can mask the signals.
• Sleep patterns.
• Baby movement.

Can a fetal doppler replace ultrasound appointments?
Our Pocket Fetal Doppler work similar to an ultrasound, but they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for regular ultrasound appointments and doctor visits.